Foods That Help or Harm Your Sleep

Working this shift for the past thirty years has definitely messed with my sleep rhythms. I've had insomnia forever and have tried just about every type of techniques to get some good shut eye.

I did some research on Web MD and they have tips on foods that can help or hurt your sleep patterns.

WEB MD Slideshow

Reach for Tryptophan-Rich Foods

We've all heard of warm milk's magical ability to send us off to dreamland. Do you know why it's true? Dairy foods contain tryptophan, which is a sleep-promoting substance. Other foods that are high in tryptophan include nuts and seeds, bananas, honey, and eggs.

Indulge Your Craving for Carbs

Carbohydrate-rich foods complement dairy foods by increasing the level of sleep-inducing tryptophan in the blood. So a few perfect late night snacks to get you snoozing might include a bowl of cereal and milk, yogurt and crackers, or bread and cheese.

Have a Snack Before Bedtime

If you struggle with insomnia, a little food in your stomach may help you sleep. But don't use this as an open invitation to pig out. Keep the snack small. A heavy meal will tax your digestive system, making you uncomfortable and unable to get soothing ZZZs.

What you eat can definitely help or hurt your sleep patterns. Good slide show on the WEB MD Sight.